It’s been quite a bit since I’ve seen this one, but it stayed as fresh in my mind as when I saw it first. That alone should say something.

Alright, first things first: Don’t let yourself be scared off by that crazily long title. It almost would’ve driven me away when I first stumbled over this anime (I couldn’t speak a syllable of Japanese at the time, and I had trouble even pronouncing the title, never mind putting it to memory). But, I eventually got around to watching the whole thing last winter, unable to keep my hands off the historical, and I’m darn glad I did.

“Bakumatsu Kikansetsu -Irohanihoheto-“, or in the English version “Intrigue in the Bakumatsu: Irohanihoheto”, is based on Japanese history, end of the Bakumatsu period (before the revolution--Rurouni Kenshin fans will know what I’m talking about), with a bit of fiction AKA the supernatural mixed in. (Note: “Irohanihoheto” is a famous poem, in which each letter of the Japanese period kana (syllabary, so-to-speak) was used only once in the entire poem. It was in fact used as an alphabetical order for a period of time… y’know, like the children’s song/poem “ABCDEFG”. The Irohanihoheto is still used today as a numbering of seating for e.g. theatre houses--which is kind of funny, since the protagonists of this anime include a wandering kabuki theatre troupe…)

The story at first glance is quite simple. There’s the usual good vs. evil; there’s a protagonist with the task to fight this evil; there’s his trials and tribulations to overcome; there’s people getting involved with that evil and people watching from the sidelines.

That isn’t all this anime is, however. By including the historical background (and not utterly messing it up), actual historical characters, a few enigmas/intrigues/mysteries, and characters with their individual stories (and sometimes tragedies), the plot part becomes original, quite unexpected, and involving. It helps that the mystery opens no further plot holes, and that the story, where not focusing on its supernatural aspect, is quite realistic (the characters; the theatre troupe; …). There’s quite a number of theatrical references as well--I did mention that title, didn’t I?--making the anime quite beautiful. No real knowledge of the time period is required either; it may be helpful, but it’s not necessary per se.

The downside to the plot would be that the pacing isn’t always consistent. There’s episodes with two thirds action, and then there’s episodes all talk. All of those contribute to the story in one way or another--there’s really not a single unnecessary scene in all those 26 episodes--but it may distract a bit.

The characters are very well-done. Some are quite enigmatic, all are distinguishable, compelling and quite realistic. The interpretation of actual historical figures is also interesting. The main characters and their individual stories add to the plot, and character interaction and dynamics are well-done. The only thing I’m missing really is the character development… each person literally retains their characteristics from start to end. It’s a bit disappointing in a 20+ episode anime, but w.e.

The dialogue is quite well-done--flows well, helps in getting the characterisation across better, and the voice acting is just about perfect. Even the dub isn’t bad.

The animation may not be entirely up-to-date, but it works well. The action is fluid and fast, with very good choreography. The theatre scenes are quite beautiful; and the art in itself definitely does the rest of the anime justice. Also, the soundtrack is pure gold. XD

“Bakumatsu Kikansetsu” has its flaws, but I still like it. Its plot, mysteries, and characters with their individual backstories make it quite interesting and compelling; where it may be slow, the puzzle-piecing things together definitely should keep people’s attention; and the action, art, and soundtrack only help it along. I’m actually surprised this isn’t known better. Perhaps it’s for the historical tag (history isn’t boring per se, but I guess it’s too easily associated with history lessons at school… ^^"), perhaps it’s that crazy long title, I don’t know. All I can say is that among historical and supernatural anime, this one is a gem IMO; that I count it among my favourites, despite its flaws; and that I’m surprised it doesn’t seem to be better-known. Overall, if the historical/supernatural/mystery combination interests you any, I can wholeheartedly recommend this. :)

Cheers, and thanks for the read!~ (show less)

A beautifully written historical fiction anime. It starts off a bit slow and the ending episodes are a bit repetitive and dragging. However, I was still interested in how the story would unfold. The author used the Bakumatsu as the setting while incorporating supernatural elements to advance the events of the story. The story is quite simple actually. There is a definite evil that needs to be vanquished but, it is a difficult task and only one person can do it. Throughout the story, there are trials and tribulations regarding Akizuki, the protagonist.

The downside to the anime is that there is a lack of development in the characters. Almost all the characters remain static, retaining their crucial characteristics. Often times, characters like Akizuki and Kanna are emotionless but, they are tragic because war forces them to take sides. The good thing about the characters is that they are very realistic. Their goals, their motivations, their malice, and their desires are explicable.

The animation is is very well done. It is fluid and beautifully done. The entertainment level differs from episode to episode. Some episodes may be too slow while some may be surprisingly fun. The action choreography is well done and exciting to watch. Not the usual slow blade swinging monologue that we usually see. The references to kabuki theater is also very interesting and gives context to the story. I highly recommend this to all viewers. Please give this anime a try. (show less)

Best historical anime ever, though it's sometimes hard to follow the history behind the plot. The characters are good, especially Akizuki, and the music is awesome. And let's not forget the music, which is absolutely beautiful. Also, the theatre scenes are beautiful, and all the events, which introduce true historical characters such as Okita Souji or Hijikata Toshizo and a piece of their history... I recommend this for the historical dimension alright, but also for the captivating plot and beautiful design and music. This is definitely one of the most awesome animes I've ever seen, and one of my favorites. (show less)